Talk to your doctor about your medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to one week before the procedure.

You will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area around your eyes. Sedatives will be given to help you relax. In some cases,
general anesthesia
will be used. In this case, you will be asleep.

Incisions will be made in your eyelids. In the upper eyelid, the incision is usually made in the crease. In the lower eyelid, the incision is usually made just below the lashes or on the inside of the eyelid. The excess fat will be removed. The excess skin and muscle will be trimmed. The incision will be closed with sutures.

60 minutes or more depending on the amount of skin and fat to be removed

Anesthesia will minimize pain during the procedure. You may feel some tightness and soreness after the procedure.

Ointment will be applied. A bandage may be placed over your eyes.

After about 6 months, your scars will likely fade to a nearly invisible white line. The results of a blepharoplasty are permanent. Extra surgery may be done as needed or desired. Sometimes, blepharoplasty is combined with another procedure called canthopexy. This is used to improve the shape and positioning of the lower eyelid. Blepharoplasty may also be done with ptosis repair. This is the repair of the upper eyelid muscle to correct drooping of the upper eyelid.

Call Your Doctor

It is important to monitor your recovery. Alert your doctor to any problems. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Redness, swelling, increasing pain, bleeding, or discharge from the incision site

Opening of any part of the incision

Excessive pain or redness of the eye

Any decrease or change in your vision

If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.